MALI UNHCR OPERATIONAL UPDATE 1-31 December 2015 KEY FIGURES 35,716 people received sensitization on social cohesion and peaceful HIGHLIGHTS coexistence in the regions of Gao, Timbuktu and Mopti. . UNHCR opened a field unit in Menaka, . 13,472 . More than 300 households, or more than Mauritanian refugees were 950 returned refugees, were registered in TOMBOUCTOU registered in district in December, coming back from and partnership with the Malian Burkina Faso. KIDAL government as part of the first . Members of the Malian parliament gathered on 16 round of registration. December to adopt the texts on the GAO accession to the 1954 Convention KOULIKORO 4,307 relating to the Status of Stateless MOPTI Persons and the 1961 Convention KAYES returned refugees benefitted from SEGOU on the Reduction of UNHCR presence the cash-based intervention (CBI) December 2015 Statelessness. pilot project. SIKASSO becomes the 10th member state of the Economic Community 2,452 of West African States (ECOWAS) to accede birth certificates were distributed to the 1954 convention and the ninth ECOWAS to Mauritanian refugees in Kayes member state to accede to the 1961 convention. and to repatriated Malian refugees . The 2015 cash-based intervention (CBI) pilot project successfully came to an in Mopti. end, benefiting a total of 4,307 returned refugees (2,479 in Gao, 336 in Mopti and 1,492 in Timbuktu). Returnees received $110 per adult and $50 per child. FUNDING The beneficiaries expressed their deep appreciation for this initiative, which contributed to enhancing self-reliance among returnees. The project will USD 67.9 million continue in 2016. requested for the operation Fun Population of concern (December 2015) ded

6% refugees and asylum seekers (mixed origin) 2537 Mauritanian refugees 13539 Gap refugee returnees (UNHCR verified) 17019 94% refugee returnees (gov) 41062

returned IDPs in 2015 53551 PRIORITIES IDPs 61920 Malian refugees 140776 . Carry-out cash reintegration assistance to 3,000 returnees. total returned IDPs (DTM Nov. 2015) 439690 . Support shelter rehabilitation for

returnees. . Advocate for adequate access to education of all returnee children. . Identify and provide support to survivors of SGBV. 1 UNHCR Operational Update-Mali

UPDATE ON ACHIEVEMENTS

Operational Context Mali is slowly pulling out of the intense political and military crisis that started in 2012. Insecurity across the country remains high due to aggravated terrorist and criminal threats with lawlessness characterizing large swaths of territory. Violations of basic human rights are still reported, prices of basic necessities are high and local populations are in dire need of access to public services, documentation, water and food security. To date, more than 140,000 Malian refugees in neighboring countries and nearly 62,000 displaced persons in Mali are waiting to see whether conditions in their areas of origin improve to allow them to return in safety and dignity.

Malian armed forces have launched anti-terrorism and anti-criminality operations in the regions of Mopti and Ségou. However, unsecured roads make the use of escorts and armored vehicles mandatory in the riskiest areas, including where UNHCR has field offices (entire Gao and Timbuktu regions, and parts of ); access to persons of concern is therefore increasingly difficult. Although terrorism and crime constrain freedom of movement, there is no doubt that the agreement between parties in the North has created new hopes for stability and conducive conditions for returns in some areas. Community dialogue is bearing fruit in several conflict-prone areas. Nonetheless, insecurity and absence of state control increases displaced persons’ vulnerability to endemic criminality. In December, two unidentified armed men stole a UNHCR vehicle in use by its partner, Mercy Corps, in Timbuktu. Regular criminal acts continue in the regions of Mopti, Timbuktu and Gao, where UNHCR operates, even in urban areas. During the holiday season, the threat of terrorist attacks was high throughout the country and many public events had to be canceled. In the wake of the November 2015 attack on the Radisson Hotel in Bamako, the Malian government extended the state of emergency until 31 March 2016.

Achievements

Protection Achievements and Impact

Protection Cluster  Following a rapid needs assessment by DRC on forced displacement in Banikane, Timbuktu region, 150 hygiene kits (buckets, soap, tins, and products for water treatment) were distributed to 46 households (202 persons) by DNDS and 94 blankets were delivered by IOM. The material was distributed by DRC on 20 December.  A draft mapping was presented to members of the cluster, showing that in the region of Timbuktu, the areas of Goundam and Gourma-Rharous are the most affected by social cohesion issues. The most common type of tensions include mistrust between returned and host communities, tensions due to the resumption of attacks and abuses in some villages, and tensions due to access to natural resources.

 Nearly 13,500 Mauritanian refugees (Kayes, Gori Gopela, Karakoro, Djélébou, Guidimakan Kerikafo and communes) have been registered since the verification initiative began at the beginning of December in partnership with UNHCR, the NGO Stop Sahel, and the national Malian commission in charge of refugees (CNCR).  Almost 8,000 birth certificates were processed by the CNCR, more than 2,000 of which were distributed in the communes of Karakoro, Djélébou, Guidimakan Kerikafo and Sahel over the course of the registration of Mauritanian refugees.  The migration of herds has affected the verification and registration of Mauritanian refugees as numerous families have not come to register.  In the region of Kayes, more than 750 people were sensitized on the importance of birth certificates, which garnered interest in obtaining birth certificates and declaring births.

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 Nearly 100 people were reached by GBV training of trainers in partnership with Stop Sahel and the Kayes regional directorate for the promotion of women, children, and family, allowing participants to understand different types of GBV as well as how survival assistance and referral works. Participants also became familiar with the organizations involved in GBV prevention and response.  UNHCR and its partner, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), have continued to profile returnee households over the course of the reporting period. In December, DRC profiled 170 people in the region of Mopti. In addition, nearly 20 monitoring visits were carried out by DRC, reaching 238 people, and identifying 36 cases, 30 of which were human rights violations and six vulnerable individuals. Local authorities and UN peacekeeping forces have been notified of these human rights violations so they can patrol the area while more concrete protection interventions are discussed with implementing partners. The six vulnerable individuals were assisted by DRC with rations and NFIs.  DRC assisted nine repatriated refugees in obtaining national ID cards and 120 children in obtaining birth certificates by way of referral to NRC in the region of Mopti.  In the region of Mopti, after identifying three new cases of SGBV, one survival obtained psychosocial support and two survivors obtained legal counseling with the help of Handicap International; 26 other survivors participated in group therapy. 15 survivors were referred for income generating activities, three of whom were included in the CBI project. Two capacity building sessions were held, including how to identify new or alleged cases of GBV. Nearly 800 people were sensitized on SGBV over four sessions, including community focus groups.  In Timbuktu region, more than 300 households comprised of more than 950 repatriated refugees from Mauritania and Burkina Faso were registered in December. 45 households are being monitored; among them, 10 households have received NFIs distributed by UNHCR partner Stop Sahel.  In collaboration with Handicap International, community trainers carried out more than 50 SGBV sensitization sessions reaching more than 2,500 people, the majority of whom were women. 15 victims of SGBV received psychosocial support.  UNHCR took part in a UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSMA) community liaison training. UNHCR had the chance to present on protection monitoring, the Protection Cluster strategy as well as the experiences of local community protection committees in the region of Timbuktu.  Nearly 700 repatriated refugees, or 188 households, were registered in Gao region in December.  Handicap International carried out 21 GBV sensitization sessions, reaching nearly 750 people, the vast majority of whom were female. More than 450 participants were repatriated refugees and more than 200 were IDPs in Gao region.  In Gao region, through imagery, communities were better able to understand the six types of GBV. Community leaders found the method useful and thought it could help reverse the trend of forced marriage.  10 new cases of GBV were identified in Gao region, including two of early/forced marriages, six of physical aggression, and two of denial of resources. Psychosocial support and legal advice were provided to the 10 survivors who were also referred to the NGO Greffa for legal assistance.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  In the region of Kayes, no legal assistance was provided to victims of SGBV in December, mostly due to the fact that communities are not used to opting for legal support in cases of SGBV.  There is not adequate phone credit to monitor repatriated refugees and IDPs at a distance in the region of Timbuktu.  Nearly 60% of newly arrived repatriated refugees need tents or for their houses to be rehabilitated in Timbuktu region.

Education Achievements and Impact  In collaboration with the local community, UNHCR and Stop Sahel constructed a literacy center in Brala, , for school-aged children, since the Mauritanian refugee site is far from schools. The community has hired an instructor for the center.

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 The newly reopened school of Acharane in the region of Timbuktu was equipped with tables, chairs, desks and cupboards.  ACTED completed building and equipping three new schools, or nine classrooms, in the commune of N’Tillit. This accomplishment created an enthusiasm for school among teachers, parents and students while also reinforcing the presence of the state and return to normalcy. The new schools provide children a safe space, away from risks, including ERWs/UXOs.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps Tindjarane school after renovations  Education facilities have been hard hit in the North, especially in the 16 priority communes. The need to rehabilitate and build new classrooms remains in Gao region.

Health Achievements and Impact  500 people from 109 households in the Kayes region signed up for health insurance following sensitization, allowing households to reduce their spending and facilitate access to quality health care.  Stop Sahel and UNHCR presented Ebola prevention materials to more than a dozen health centers in the Kayes region.

Water and Sanitation Achievements and Impact  In Timbuktu region in December, eight water management committees were put in place to manage new water installations built as part of the Peace Building Fund. 15 WASH trainings were held, which reached nearly 300 people, bettering inter- and intracommunity harmony and communal resource management.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  Despite attempts to build wells, Mauritanian refugee populations in the Woulkeidou, Ergui and Fodemama sites of the Kayes region are having difficulties accessing potable water due to geological factors.

Shelter and NFIs  Some 20 shelter kits were distributed in the Douentza area of the Mopti region, as home rehabilitation continues, nearly 60 houses have already been rehabilitated. Around 40 households that were victim to house fires benefitted from food and NFI distribution.  In Timbuktu region, Stop Sahel distributed NFI kits to more than 1,000 repatriated refugee households, and nearly 300 host community households; the Luxemburg Red Cross completed rehabilitations on 45 houses.  In the region of Gao, nearly 600 repatriated households and more than 550 returnee households benefitted from NFI distribution. 100 family tents were given to IDPs in Menaka following recent intercommunity conflict. As part of contingency planning, nearly 20 family tents were given to the Ansongo city hall and the Malian Red Cross. Local authorities, including village chiefs and mayors, actively participated in the activity. Community leaders were very appreciative for contributing to their dignity and wellbeing.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  In the region of Gao, shelter and NFI distributions could be made more efficient if warehousing were improved, megaphones and satellite phones were provided to communicate more effectively, and if unsafe areas were taken into account when selected beneficiaries.

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Access to Energy Achievements and Impact  Sinkolé, Derguel, Ergui and Woulkeidou refugee sites were equipped with kits containing rechargeable batteries for solar panels in the Kayes region.

Community Empowerment and Self-Reliance Includes livelihoods, self-reliance and environment-related activities, in line with UNHCR’s Results Framework Achievements and Impact  In the Mopti region, around $25,000 worth of cash transfers was distributed to more than 300 returnees from 100 households through UNHCR partner Mercy Corps.  More than 100 women received goats in the Timbuktu region; several billy goats were also distributed, which should serve as a link between the women to build solidarity and social cohesion.  Mercy Corps supported 35 NFI beneficiaries with stipends for income generating activities in the region of Timbuktu.  More than 1,234 beneficiaries from 350 households received cash assistance through Mercy Corps in Timbuktu region. Beneficiaries salute the project as giving them a choice in purchasing the products they need most for them and their children, enhancing their dignity.  Trainings on small business management and association membership were held as part of the self-reliance and community empowerment project in Gao region.  Former beneficiaries of Stop Sahel and GBV survivors referred by Handicap International received cash assistance to start their income generating activities in Gao region.  In the region of Gao a women’s association received a motor-pump and members were trained on optimizing their gardening.  Seven village savings and credit association agents were trained in Gao region as part of the self-reliance and community empowerment project.  In December in the region of Gao, 775 households comprised of more than 1,000 adults and more than 1,500 children received cash transfers, allowing them to respond to their most pressing basic needs but also to engage in income generating activities for their self-reliance.  The UNHCR/IOM peacebuilding project provided subsidies for income generating activities to 30 beneficiaries including 10 repatriated refugees and 9 returnees in Gao region; the majority of beneficiaries were women.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  In the region of Gao, targeting for CBI, including beneficiary identification and an understanding of the project by certain officials proved difficult.

Durable Solutions Achievements and Impact  In the region of Mopti, Stop Sahel organized community dialogues on peaceful coexistence and peacebuilding for more than 230 people, more than half of whom were women.  10 sessions on WASH, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance were carried out, in Mopti region, reaching more than 500 people.  In Timbuktu region, DRC carried out an advocacy campaign on social cohesion, including cultural activities, radio broadcasts, and trainings. A community rally on sustainable return and integration of repatriated refugees was attended by 130 repatriated refugees, returned IDPs, and host community members. These activities brought communities together and reinforced their peaceful coexistence. A forum titled “women for peace and cohabitation’’ was held on the subject of social cohesion and peacebuilding with more than 40 participants. The forum included a dialogue on safety, stability, and peacefulness in their area, resulting in more engagement in advocacy for peace. Radio sensitization messages were broadcast throughout the month of December, reaching nearly 30,000 people.

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 In the region of Gao, training sessions on good governance, conflict management, and peaceful coexistence were held in Gao, Gossi, Ansongo, N'tillit and Bara, which reached more than 300 people including community leaders and returnees.  Social cohesion awareness campaigns were carried out in Gao region, with the participation of more than 4,600 people including more than 1,700 women and more than 1,600 repatriated refugees.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  The gardening project in Sambaoulo, Mopti, in cooperation with MINUSMA and FAO, has been delayed due to financial constraints of MINUSMA.

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Working in partnership  UNHCR partners with national and international NGOs as well as the Malian government. In addition, UNHCR leads the protection and shelter clusters in Mali.

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A total of USD 3.9 million was funded out of USD 67.9 million requested in 2015, representing 6% of the needs. UNHCR is grateful for the vital support of all its funders.

Contacts: Isabelle Michal, Public Information Officer, [email protected], Tel: +223 20290518 Thu Trang Nguyen, Associate Reporting Officer, [email protected], Tel: +223 20290518 Sarah M. Bellotti, Information Management Officer, [email protected], Tel: +223 20290518

Links: Mali Situation UNHCR portal – UNHCR Mali Facebook – UNHCR Twitter

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ANNEXES

Mali situation map

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